The Agricultural History of East and Southeast Asia

The project investigates the dynamics behind agricultural shifts in East and Southeast Asia from the beginning of agriculture (around 2,500 BCE) to the present, with a specific focus on the medieval to early modern periods (1,000–1800 CE). The project is principally about mapping the development of, and changes in, agricultural systems and crops throughout time in order to investigate the factors behind their history. Investigating the factors behind the history of changes in agricultural systems also necessitates a compilation of evidence for political systems, societal structures, technological developments and environmental change, including climate. This is a sub-project of another led by Janken Myrdal and colleagues aiming at presenting an empirical basis for a theory on world history.

Climatic factors in Southeast Asia are explored in greater detail in the complimentary project Palaeoclimate change, the evolution of monsoon dynamics, and societal impacts in Southeast Asia.